Letter from the Superintendent - September 2023
The 23-24 school year is off and running. It’s been fun to see all of our students back in the building. Current enrollment at SWPS is 313 students, which is the highest enrollment numbers since 2010-2011.
Our sports and activities programs have also begun, which is a very fun and exciting time for all the coaches, sponsors, students, athletes, and parents. Please make sure to come out and support all of our students as they compete and represent our school and communities.
As many of you have seen, we have launched our social media sites. Southwest currently has a Facebook and Twitter page. (Facebook: SWRoughriders) (Twitter: @SWRoughriders) These sites can also be viewed on the school website as well. Please continue to utilize our school website as we have made come some changes to it as well. The school will post any changes or updates on our social media sites and website. Our hope is to show everyone all the great things happening at our schools.
If you are still wanting a free and reduced lunch form, it’s not too late! Please stop at the school to get a form as soon as possible. These forms are very important for state funding. Also, children who do not eat breakfast tend to struggle throughout the day with their focus on academics, so please take advantage of these programs.
Southwest Elementary School has qualified for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program through NDE. This program is designed to help create healthier school environments and combat childhood obesity. The FFVP expands the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience, increases their fruit and vegetable consumption, and can positively impact their present and future health.
The first “down list” will be coming out on Thursday, 9/7/23 for the students in Bartley. You can check your student’s progress on Infinite Campus or you can e-mail the teacher. If a student is listed on the “down list” a letter will be mailed home. Please make sure to communicate with your child about their academic work. Communication with your child about their daily work, homework, projects, and upcoming tests can alleviate any surprises down the road. Also, please don’t hesitate to communicate with the classroom teacher if you have any questions.
Attendance is another area that parents need to be aware of. Please make sure that students are at school on a regular basis so they don’t fall behind on their classwork. SWPS must follow the mandatory attendance laws for the State of Nebraska. Parents and guardians will be notified via mail if their child is on the path of exceeding the allowable absences. Please bring a note if your child is at the doctor, dentist, orthodontists, physical therapy etc. so those absences are not counted as unexcused.
Thank you for your continued support of all of our students and staff at SWPS. We are looking forward to a great school year.